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Christian Unity and Dialogue18 Sep 19

Anglican and Reformed representatives meet in Hiroshima

The Revd Helene T Steed, Rector of St Mark’s, Dundela, was among the Anglican Communion’s representatives at the International Reformed–Anglican Dialogue (IRAD) which met in Hiroshima in August. Taking its theme as the study of the nature of communion (koinonia in Greek), as God’s gift and calling, this was the first global meeting of its kind between the Anglican and Reformed communions since 1984.

Anglican and Reformed representatives meet in Hiroshima

Delegates looked at their understanding of communion and how they saw this lived out, and explored how this can help to address the diversities within and between the communions. They were deeply moved to hear atomic bomb survivor Ms Keiko Ogura share her story of 6 August 1945, and to visit the Peace Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

Mrs Steed remarked:
“The forthcoming report on communion (koinonia) will be a rich resource to the Churches on this island. It will provide a biblical and theological foundation as well as taking a step further, asking how do we live in communion within Churches, between Churches and with creation. It has been a pleasure to learn from Reformed and Anglican experiences from all over the world.”

The dialogue opened with a celebration of Holy Communion in the Anglican tradition and closed with a celebration of Holy Communion in the Reformed tradition. The hospitality of the Diocese of Kobe was greatly appreciated, and the commission participated in the Anglican Eucharist at the Church of the Resurrection where they were welcomed very warmly.